FIA announces radical F1 2026 regulations with agile, safer, and lighter cars

FIA has officially released the long-awaited F1 chassis regulations for 2026.

FIA announces radical F1 2026 regulations with agile, safer, and lighter cars

F1 2026 chassis render (via Formula 1)

Red Bull has dominated the ground-effect era regulations in Formula 1. Hence, fans are anticipating the upcoming regulation changes of the F1 2026 season to provide a better spectacle. A majority of the grid is hoping to witness Ferrari’s dominance or Mercedes’ comeback. The FIA has finally announced the final regulations for the chassis that all the teams will have to adhere to.

Multiple radical changes will be brought about in the challengers for the teams. Formula 1 for the first time in its history has gone back and reduced the size of the challengers. This change was brought about to make the chassis more agile and lighter. Notably, the width of the chassis is reduced to 1900mm from the previous 2000mm. Additionally, the wheelbase is reduced to 3400mm from 3600mm.

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Apart from this, the hybrid engine in the F1 2026 cars will be made more and more powerful. FIA aims to increase electrical engine power by 300% with the new regulations. Also, the sport will now be using ‘100% sustainable fuel’ to tackle the problems of global warming and emissions. The challengers will also be equipped with a ‘Manual override mode’ which will provide the drivers with increased electric power deployment. The Drag Reduction System (DRS) will be removed.

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Formula 1 aims to increase the safety of the fastest one-seater cars furthermore

Safety has been one of the most important points for FIA and their regulation for Formula 1. The governing body continues to bring in new updates to further increase the safety of the drivers in the cockpit. The roll hoop’s load has been increased from 16G to 20G. Additionally, the chassis will contain ‘Lateral Safety Lights’ showcasing the car’s ERS status to others. The side intrusion protection has been further increased in the chassis in the new regulation.

F1 2026 chassis render side view (via Formula 1)
F1 2026 chassis render side view (via Formula 1)

The Aerodynamics of the car is also equally important to make the car more secure and fast. FIA has reduced downforce and drag by 30% and 55% respectively. Besides, the front wing of the chassis will be 100mm narrower than the previous versions. The ground-effect on the cars will be reduced significantly as well as FIA mandates to keep the floors partially flat.

Hence, the new regulations look very promising to increase competition in Formula 1. It will be very exciting to witness how the current teams fare under the new regulation. Red Bull’s domination since the 2022 season could falter after Adrian Newey’s shock exit from the team. Multiple teams, especially Ferrari have also already started working on the power unit under the new set of regulations.

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